Shallots - Key Growing Information

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Allium cepa var. aggregatum

CULTURE:

Shallots require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Sandy loam soils are ideal; raised beds or raised rows are recommended for heavier soils to promote soil drainage. When planted at 2" per plant spacing, shallots are more likely to form a single bulb.

DIRECT SEEDING:

In April or early May, or as soon as the soil can be prepared in early spring, sow in a 2" wide band, about 2 seeds/in., 1/4– 1/2" deep, rows 12–18" apart. Thin to 2" apart for highest yields in fertile soil. Thin to 3–4" apart for larger shallots.

TRANSPLANTING:

In short-season areas, sow seeds indoors in flats in late February to mid-March. Broadcast 1/2" apart and cover 1/4". Tops may be clipped to 5" tall. Transplant to the garden 4" apart, or sow 5 seeds in each cell of 1–1 1/2" diameter plug trays, thinning to 3 per cell. Transplant each cell 6" apart.

CULTIVATION:

Keep shallots well weeded with shallow cultivation.

WATER:

Shallots are shallow rooted and grow best with at least 1" per week of rain or irrigation, especially during the bulbing phase.

DISEASES:

Adequate air circulation and crop rotation aids in reducing the risk of foliar disease

HARVEST:

When necks become soft and tops are falling over, pull and sun-cure at least 2–7 days, depending on weather. Move to a protected location to finish drying.

STORAGE:

When dry, clip off tops and roots and store in onion bags or shallow boxes at near freezing and 60–70% humidity.

DAY LENGTH:

Like onions, all shallots are day-length sensitive. Plant shallots as you would long-day onions.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

From direct seeding; subtract 10–15 days if transplants are used.

AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:

1 oz./25', 1M/50', 5M/250', 25M/1,250', 580M/acre @ 20 seeds/ft., in rows 18" apart.

TRANSPLANTS:

Avg. 1 oz./4,900 plants, 1 lb./78,750.

SEED SPECS:

SEEDS/LB.: 119,600-125,270 (Avg. 122,500).

PACKET:

250 seeds, sows 12' or makes 140 plants.

Shallots